The death of the veteran Bollywood actor Rishi Kapoor is an "irreparable loss" to the Indian film industry and the end of an era, said colleagues Amitabh Bachchan, Rajinikanth, Taapsee Pannu, Akshay Kumar and other cine personalities.
The actor, 67, died on Thursday at HN Reliance hospital here after a two year long battle with leukemia, his elder brother Randhir Kapoor confirmed with PTI.
His family said the actor remained "jovial and determined to live to the fullest right through two years of treatment across two continents".
"Family, friends, food and films remained his focus and everyone who met him during this time was amazed at how he did not let his illness get the better of him," the family said in a statement, adding the actor would like to be "remembered with a smile and not with tears".
Bachchan, a close friend and frequent collaborator of the actor, broke the news on social media, but deleted the tweet seconds after posting it.
"He's GONE .. ! Rishi Kapoor .. gone .. just passed away .. I am destroyed, he had wrote on Twitter.
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Bachchan had starred opposite Rishi Kapoor in films like Amar Akbar Anthony, Kabhi Kabhie, Naseeb, Coolie and Ajooba. Their last movie together was 2011's 102 Not Out.
South superstar Rajiinkanth, who worked with Rishi Kapoor in 1986's Dosti Dushmani said he was heartbroken.
Heartbroken ... Rest In Peace ... my dearest friend #RishiKapoor, the actor wrote.
Legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar said the actor's passing away has created a huge void in the cinema industry.
I don't know what to say? I'm very said with the news of Rishi ji's demise. His passing away is an irreparable loss for the film industry. It's really tough for me to bear this pain. May his soul rest in peace, Mangeshkar posted on Twitter.
Rishi Kapoor's death comes just a day after the untimely death of acclaimed actor Irrfan Khan, who passed away on Wednesday here. He also died of cancer.
Akshay said it felt like being in the middle of a "nightmare.
Just heard the depressing news of #RishiKapoor ji passing away, it's heartbreaking. He was a legend, a great co-star and a good friend of the family. My thoughts and prayers with his family, the actor wrote in a parting message for his Namastey London and Patiala House co-star.
Filmmaker Karan Johar, who directed Rishi Kapoor in Student of the Year, wrote, He was my childhood
Writer Apurva Asrani, shared a screenshot from the movie D-Day, which was the only film featuring both Rishi Kapoor and Irrfan, and wrote, Another warrior goes down fighting. Goodbye Rishi Kapoor. Thankyou for the movies, for that disarming smile and for being brave enough to call a spade a spade. You were one of the best."
This is a sad sad week for cinema. Rest in peace ?#RishiKapoor sir. Had the absolute privilege of working with him in #Aurangzeb. Used to tell me he can't call me by name as I shared it with his grand father. Farewell legend. We will miss you!